The rule imposed by the southern Chinese city of Xiamen barred bald people from applying for one-year multiple-entry permits before it was cancelled earlier this year, according to Taiwan’sTravel Agent Association.

“It would probably have raised the question of discrimination if Chinese customs officials were to ask visitors to remove their wigs,” said Roger Hsu, a spokesman for the association.

Hsu said the rule had mainly applied to frequent business travellers but he said he did not know how many people had their visas rejected for being bald.